The Mexican peso was at the 17.3 per USD mark, remaining relatively close to the six-week high of 17.25 from April 15th as markets dimmed expectations of rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, supporting emerging market currencies against the dollar. Benchmark oil prices eased off their multi-year peaks from late March and limited the magnitude of risk-off sentiment. In the meantime, mid-month inflation data showed that headline price growth in Mexico surged to its highest in 17 months in March. The data strengthened the argument for hawks in the Bank of Mexico, increasing the likelihood of a hold in the central bank’s upcoming decision following the controversial cut this month.
USD/MXN Rises on Weak Dollar
The Mexican peso strengthened 0.3% on Friday, trading around 17.31 as markets focused on geopolitical developments, including US–Iran negotiations. Uncertainty in the Middle East, particularly risks around the Strait of Hormuz, continues to support a geopolitical risk premium. The US dollar remains under pressure as US inflation stays broadly in line with expectations and the Federal Reserve maintains a cautious, data-dependent stance, limiting Treasury yield upside. At the same time, resilient but uneven US growth keeps markets balanced between inflation and slowdown risks. Risk appetite supports emerging market currencies, with the peso benefiting from strong carry appeal and a wide interest rate differential versus the US. USD/MXN is down 14.79% this year, reflecting dollar weakness and sustained inflows into Mexican assets.
